The rival oneworld and Star alliances look set to submit bids for an equity stake in Star member Thai Airways International, which is due to be partly privatised later this year.
Australia's Qantas Airways, a oneworld founder, has confirmed its interest in securing a holding, while Lufthansa executive vice chairman Friedel Roedig says in a Star internal communication that the group will "take an active role" in the bidding.
The Thai transport ministry says Lufthansa has a leading position as a potential investor, "not only because of its place in Star, but also because of its potential as a strategic partner in its own right".
One increasingly likely scenario would see Lufthansa team with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to submit a bid. SIA is expected to join Star this year and has already expressed an interest in investing in Thai, but is regarded with some suspicion by Bangkok, which says it will only contemplate its involvement as a Star member.
The Thai government owns 90% of the airline. It plans to sell 25% to the public and foreign strategic investors.
Source: Flight International
